Pingyao
Pingyao · 双林寺
Shuanglin Temple A modest monastery with an immodest number of Ming painted statues. It is outside Pingyao’s wall. Some combined tickets include it and some do not. The sculptures are worth the ride either way.
Historic sites 历史古迹
Historic. The statues are crowded, colorful, and more alive than a lot of famous empty halls.
This is the art stop. Do it on the second day, when the wall is no longer the only picture in your head.
Getting there
A taxi from the town gate, under half an hour. Agree the wait or the return. There is not a lively taxi rank afterward.
Staying nearby
Sleep inside Pingyao. Shuanglin is an outing. The village around the temple is not your base.
Back to Pingyao
Temple ticket, check the bundle
How to get in Ask whether your ancient-city ticket includes Shuanglin. If it does not, buy the temple ticket at the site. Photography may be restricted in the halls. The color on the statues is the thing flash destroys. It is a short visit and a poor place to rush.